Tips, Terms & Techniques

Make spectacular bows and craft projects every timewith these ‘Tips, Terms & Techniques’

Unleash your creativity

Have fun experimenting with ribbons, florals and color schemes thatcompliment your home and your personal style. Let your instincts guideyou on your journey into design.

BOWDABRA BOW WIREBowdabra bow wire is our preference, but feel free toexperiment with different types of tying materials such as floralwire, strong curling ribbon, hemp or anything you would normallyuse to tie off a bow.

To tie off a bow, using the Bowdabra bow wire, simply pinchthe bow wire securely against the bow. Twist the bow 4 to 6 timesin a clockwise direction.

To tie off a bow using bow tie, secure with a knot.

DOVETAILS

Dovetailing the ends of the tailscreates a finished quality to any bow.

1. Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise.

2. Position your scissors at thefolded edge of the ribbbonand cut the end at a 45°angle. See illustration.

3. Unfold your ribbon and youhave a professional, finishedlook to your ribbon tails.

FOLDED EDGE

FOLD RIBBON LENGTHWISE

CUT ENDS AS ILLUSTRATED

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Tips, Terms & Techniques

FLUFF & SHAPEFluffing & Shaping a Bow is positioning each loop of the bowto create a beautifully shaped bow. Starting from the back of the

bow and working your way forward,firmly, but gently, pull the loops in opposite directions. Continue moving and positioning each loop until you’re happy with the shape ofthe bow.

If the bow is going to be placed ona wreath, a package, or any other

item, you’ll want to partially fluff and shape it. Once you have secured the bow on the item, then complete the fluffing & shaping.

Fluffing & Shaping a Swag or Floral Arrangementshape the overall arrangement by bending the floral stems, leaves and greenery to give your arrangement a designer look.

LOOP SIZETo determine the number and size of loops to create when usingdifferent widths of ribbon refer to the ‘Ribbon Width Chart’ pg 15.

For example, if you choose to create a 5” loop you need a 10” length of ribbon.

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Tips, Terms & Techniques

RIBBON WIDTH CHARTRefer to this chart any time you need help in determining the numberand size of loops to create when using different widths of ribbon.

Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon Bow Loop # of LoopsWeight # * Width Diameter Size2 per Side3

Light 1 # 3 5/8” 3 - 4” 1.5 - 2” 10 - 12Heavy 1 # 3 5/8” 3 - 4” 1.5 - 2” 8 - 10

Light 1 # 5 1” 5 - 6” 2.5 - 3” 10 - 12Heavy 1 # 5 1” 5 - 6” 2.5 - 3” 8 - 10

Light 1 # 9 1-7/16” 6 - 8” 3 - 4” 8 - 10Heavy 1 # 9 1-7/16” 6 - 8” 3 - 4” 6 - 8

Light 1 # 40 2-5/8” 10 - 12” 5 - 6” 8 - 10 Heavy 1 # 40 2-5/8” 10 - 12” 5 - 6” 6 - 8

1 Light & Heavy refer to the weight of the ribbon. For example, a sheeror an organza would be considered light. A velvet ribbon would beheavy.

2 The size of the loop is an approximation. If you decide to make a 5”loop, this will require 10” of ribbon. Don’t worry about perfectlymeasuring your loops. The loops in a hand tied bow are neverexactly even.

3 The number of loops refer to the number of loops per side of the Bowdabra. This is only a guide. Use your creative discretion.

* This # refers to an industry standard for ribbon width.

RIGHT SIDEMost ribbons have 2 sides that look very different from oneanother. The right side refers to the side of the ribbon that youwant to have showing on the outside of the loop once the bow iscomplete.

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Tips, Terms & Techniques

SCRUNCHGrasp the ribbon at both edges of oneend of your length of ribbon and feed theribbon into the Bowdabra. The ribbonquickly piles up like an accordion.

SCRUNCH DOWNUse your Bowdabra wand to pushdown the materials to make it easierto tie off the bow.

TAILS - LENGTH*The length of a bow’s tails is generally three times the size of thebow. See the chart below for some detailed examples.

Loop Finished Tail Ribbon Size Bow Width Length Required

1.5” 3” 9” 18”2” 4” 12” 24”

2.5” 5” 15” 30”3” 6” 18” 36”4” 8” 24” 48”5” 10” 30” 60”6” 12” 36” 72”

* Feel free to create tails that are even or uneven in length. There are no set rules. Let your creative eye be the judge.

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Tips, Terms & Techniques

TAILS - Option 1

Create tails any length you wish!

Tails is a term used to describe the extra ribbon that flows from a bow.

1. Decide upon the length of tails youdesire. For example ~ two 10” tails. Addthe two lengths together (10” + 10” =20”) and cut that measurement ofribbon (20”). Fold the ribbon in half.

2. Decide exactly how you want your tailspositioned. You can either center theribbon to create even tails, or off-centerthe ribbon for uneven tails. Position theribbon so its right side is facing theback of the bow.

3. Using the excess Bowdabra bow wirethat you used to create your bow*,attach the tails. Secure by twisting or bytying a knot.

Fluff and shape the bow. Dovetail the tails if desired.

* If the bow wire is too short, cut a 6” piece of Bowdabra bowwire. Attach the wire to your bow and then proceed to secureyour tails to this new bow wire.

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Tips, Terms & Techniques

TAILS - Option 2

Follow this 2nd Tail Technique when you knowthat you want tails when you are making yourbow.

1. Decide upon the length of tails you desire. Forexample ~ two 10” tails. Add the two lengths

together (10” + 10” =20”) and cut thatmeasurement of ribbon(20”). Dovetail the ends.

2. Cut a 24” piece of Bowdabra bow wire and fold it in half.Lay it into the Bowdabra.

3. Center your tails in the Bowdabra, right side up.4. Continue to make your bow on top of the tails. Tie off your

bow.5. Fluff and shape the bow.6. Now you have a professional looking bow with elegant tails.

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Scrunchy Bow

Use any type of ribbon for this unique bow.It’s so quick, easy and fun!

1. Cut a 24” piece ofbow tie. Fold it in half and lay it into the Bowdabra.

2. Cut a 2 foot length of metallicribbon*. Scrunch it into theBowdabra. The ribbon piles uplike an accordion.

3. Scrunch down the ribbon with the Bowdabrawand.

4. Grasp the loose ends of the bowtie and feed it through the loop.

5. Pull the bow tie tightly while the bow is still inthe Bowdabra.

6. Take the bow out of theBowdabra. Separate the twoloose ends of the bow tie andbring them around to the backof the bow. To secure tie a knot.

7. Fluff the bow.

The size of your bow is determined by the width and the quantity ofribbon you use. The more ribbon you use, the puffier your bow will be.

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Mini-Scrunchy Bow

A perfect sized bowfor the smallest package.

1. Fold a 24” piece of bow tie in half and lay itinto the Bowdabra.

2. Cut a small piece of ribbon anywhere from 1inch to 4 inches in length. Grasp the ribbon byits width and scrunch it into the Bowdabra.The ribbon piles up like an accordion.

3. Scrunch down the ribbon with the Bowdabra wand.

4. Grasp the loose ends of the bow tie and feed it through the loop.

5. Pull the bow tie tightly while the bow is still in the Bowdabra.

6. Take the bow out of the Bowdabra. Separate the two loose ends ofthe bow tie and bring them around to the back of the bow. Tosecure, tie a knot. Fluff the bow.

Creative HintMini Scrunchy Bows are a great way to utilize

the smallest remnants and create a bowthat will suit your smallest package design.

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Fold Bow

It’s so easy to make a fabulous bow with the Bowdabra!

This technique is great for ribbon that is the same on both sides.

1. Cut a 24” piece of Bowdabra bowwire and fold it in half. Lay it intothe Bowdabra. You’ll have a loopat one end and two loose piecesat the opposite end.

2. First, determine the length ofyour tails. Lay your ribbon intothe Bowdabra. Decide how bigyou want your loops.* To makeyour first loop, fold the ribbonand press into the Bowdabra.Continue folding the ribbon backand forth until you have createdas many loops as you desire.

3. Scrunch down the ribbon withthe Bowdabra wand.

* To determine the size of bow and the number of loops it will require, refer to the ‘Ribbon Width Chart’ on page 3.

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4. While the bow is still in theBowdabra, thread the two looseends of the Bowdabra bow wirethrough the loop at the otherend.

5. Pull the bow wire tightly whilethe bow is still in the Bowdabra.

6. Gently pull the bow out of theBowdabra. Separate the twoloose ends of the bow wire andbring them around to the back ofthe bow. To tie off the bow, pinchthe bow wire securely against thebow. Twist the bow 4 to 6 timesin a clockwise direction.

7. Fluff and shape the bow. Refer to‘Fluffing & Shaping’ on page 2for detailed instructions.

If you want to add long tails,refer to ‘Tails’ on page 4for detailed instructions.

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Fold & Twist Bow

A very simple technique to use when using 2-sidedor very thick ribbon.

1. Cut a 24” piece of Bowdabra bowwire and fold it in half. Lay it intothe Bowdabra. You’ll have a loop atone end and two loose pieces atthe opposite end.

2. Take the end of the ribbon and twistthe side that has the longest end andplace it right side facing down-wards (see definition page 3) intothe Bowdabra. This is the beginningof your first loop.

3. FOLD the ribbon to make a loop*(ie: 5” loop which will require 10”of ribbon). TWIST the ribbon 180°and press down into the Bowdabra.The right side of the ribbon willnow be facing down, ready foryour next loop.

4. Repeat this step. You’ll now have aloop on each side of the Bowdabra.

* To determine the loop size refer to ‘Ribbon Width Chart’, page 3.

Right side facing down

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5. Continue to create as many loops asyou desire. For guidance refer tothe ‘Ribbon Width Chart’ on page 3.

6. Scrunch down the ribbon with theBowdabra wand.

7. While the bow is still in theBowdabra, thread the two looseends of the Bowdabra bow wirethrough the loop at the other end.

8. Pull the bow wire tightly while thebow is still in the Bowdabra.

9. Gently pull the bow out of theBowdabra. Separate the two looseends of the bow wire and bring themaround to the back of the bow. To tieoff the bow, pinch the bow wiresecurely against the bow. Twist thebow 4 to 6 times in a clockwisedirection.

10. Fluff and shape the bow. Refer to‘Fluffing & Shaping’ on page 2.

If you want to add long tails, refer to‘Tails’ on page 4 for instructions.

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Mini Fold & Twist Bow

The Mini Fold & Twist Bow is the perfect size for those smallpackages and projects.

This technique works great with a Mini Fold Bow too!

1. Cut a 24” piece of Bowdabra bow wire andfold it in half. Lay it into the Bowdabra.You’ll have a loop at one end and twoloose pieces at the opposite end.

The key to making a MINI BOW is towork in the upper region of yourBowdabra. As you add more loops,they will work their way down theBowdabra.

2. Just as with the large Fold & Twist Bow,begin by folding the ribbon to make yourloop (1.5” to 2”). TWIST the ribbon 180°and press down into the Bowdabra.

3. Continue to create as many loops as youdesire. Refer to the ‘Ribbon Width Chart’on page 3 for guidance.

4. Complete ALL OF YOUR LOOPS BEFOREscrunching your ribbon down. When youhave as many loops as you desire, use yourBowdabra wand to scrunch the ribbondown.

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5. While the bow is still in the Bowdabra,thread the two loose ends of the bow wirethrough the loop at the other end. Pull thebow wire tightly while the bow is still inthe Bowdabra.

6. Gently pull the bow out of the Bowdabra. Separate the twoloose ends of the bow wire and bring them around to the backof the bow. To tie off the bow, pinch the bow wire securelyagainst the bow. Twist the bow 4 to 6 times in a clockwisedirection.

7. Fluff and shape the bow. For detailedinstructions refer to ‘Fluffing &Shaping’ on page 2.

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Butterfly Bowwith floral loop

A very simple technique makes a professional bow ~ large or small. All you have to do is graduate the loops in size.

1. Cut a 24” piece of Bowdabra bowwire and fold it in half. Lay it intothe Bowdabra. You’ll have a loop atone end and two loose pieces atthe opposite end.

2. Determine the length of tail youdesire (ie: 8” tail). Measure yourribbon and at the 8” point, twist theribbon. Place the ribbon right sidefacing downwards (see pg 3 fordefinition) into the Bowdabra. Thisis the beginning of your first loop.

3. FOLD the ribbon to make a loop*(ie: 6” loop which will require 12”of ribbon). TWIST the ribbon 180°and press down into the Bowdabra.The right side of the ribbon willnow be facing down, ready foryour next loop. Repeat this step.You’ll now have a loop on each sideof the Bowdabra.

4. Repeat step 3, making a smallerloop (ie: 4-1/2” loop) on each sideof the Bowdabra.

* To determine the loop size refer to ‘Ribbon Width Chart’, page 3.

8”tail

Right side facing down

6”loop

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5. Now you’ll have 2 loops on each sideof the Bowdabra. Make one more loop,half the size of the previous 2 loops.(ie: 3” loop). Leave 8” of extra ribbontrailing out from the last loop. You’lluse this piece as your second tail.

6. Scrunch down the ribbon with theBowdabra wand.

7. While the bow is still in theBowdabra, tie off the bow bythreading the two loose ends of thebow wire through the loop at theother end. Pull the bow wire tightlybefore removing from theBowdabra.

8. Separate the two loose ends of thebow wire. Gently pull the bow out ofthe Bowdabra.

9. Bring the Bowdabra bow wire endsaround to the back of the bow. To tieoff the bow, pinch the bow wiresecurely against the bow. Twist thebow 4 to 6 times in a clockwisedirection.

10. Starting with the center loop, fluffand shape it so that it covers thebow wire. Proceed to fluff and shapethe restof thebow.

Dovetail the tails to create aprofessionalfloral bow. See page 1 for instructions.

3”

6”

4.5”

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Swag

An exquisite way to dress up a picture or mantel in every season

1. Fold a 24” piece of bow tie* orhemp in half and lay it into theBowdabra.* Feel free to use Bowdabra BowWire, hemp or any other tyingmaterial.

2. Lay the eucalyptus spray(approximately 18”**) into theBowdabra. Lay in the secondeucalyptus spray on the oppositeside of the Bowdabra.

3. On top of the eucalyptus, laydown 2 orchid sprays and 2 daylilies, one stem of each type oneach side of the Bowdabra.

** Please note that these measurements are only approximations.

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4. Center a 1’ piece of #40 ribbon inthe Bowdabra to create a 6” tailon each side (see ‘Tails’, pg 4).Now, make a Fold & Twist bow ontop of your tails. Using 6’ of thesame #40 ribbon, make 9 four-inch loops. For ‘Fold & TwistBow’ instructions, refer to page11. Scrunch materials down withthe Bowdabra wand.

5. While the swag is still in theBowdabra, tie off the swag bythreading the two loose ends ofthe bow tie through the loop atthe other end. Pull the bow tietightly before removing the swagfrom the Bowdabra.

6. Bring the bow tie ends around tothe back of the swag. Securetightly with a knot. Trim excessbow tie ends.

7. Dovetail both ends of the 1’ pieceof #40 ribbon. See ‘Dovetails’,page 1 for instructions.

8. Trim excess bow tie or hemp.Fluff and shape the bow and theflorals. See ‘Fluffing & Shaping’,pg 2 for instructions.

Feel free to use flowers and foliagethat compliment your decor.

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